A Menorah Park Minute
Tuesday, March 31

“Act as if what you do makes a difference. IT DOES.”
– William James

This update is designed to offer you timely information regarding our campus, our policies, and our dedication to keeping our residents and staff healthy. We hope we can alleviate some of the stress and anxiety you may be feeling by assuring you that, despite this “new” normal, your loved ones continue to receive comprehensive, holistic care.

Increased Cleaning Measures
We strive to always maintain a clean and sanitary environment here at Menorah Park. keeping Eliminating harmful bacteria and viruses is a part of the everyday work for the housekeeping team. We are taking extra care during the COVID-19 pandemic, with:

  • Increased frequency of cleaning commonly and high touch areas;
  • Cleaning handrails, doorknobs, phones, screens, counter tops, and other surfaces at least every 2 hours; and
  • Verifying that the chemicals we already use are rated to kill the virus.
 
Infection Control Measures
  • We continue take a daily temperature of ALL staff and essential personnel who enter any of our campus buildings.
  • Temple Touch and in-ear thermometers are being used to minimize contact.
  • Staff members taking temperatures wear a mask if less than 6 feet from the individual.
  • All direct-care staff are wearing masks when interacting with residents.
  • Masks are not required for staff members who maintain a distance of 6 feet or more from residents.
  • All Menorah Park personnel are practicing precautions and social distancing.
  • Residents' mail will be held for 24 hours at the front desk and then distributed.
SJFS Update
Programs on Hold
  • Arts and Minds for residents of the Jewish Home.
  • M-Power U for community-living persons with early memory loss.

Continuing Programs & New Services
Kosher Meals on Wheels (KMOW) has grown significantly as some congregate senior meal sites have closed. If you know of anyone in need, contact Deborah Ellis at 315.446.9111 x234 . All MOWs programs are free during this period for those 55+ and unable to shop/cook for themselves.

Supporting the Menorah Park Campus
For Inn families, Jacki Gerace-O’Brien is your contact person.
Primary contacts for Jewish Home residents have received an e-mail from their assigned SJFS staff person. If you have not received an assignment please call Ellen Somers, Asst. Director, 315.446.9111, ext. 225
Music and Memory
We are creating personalized playlists for residents and providing them with MP3 players. Our supply of MP3 players is limited; each will be on loan to a particular resident; assignments will be determined based on need. If you think your loved one may benefit from this service, please contact Ellen Somers , Asst. Director at 315.446.9111, ext. 225 .


Mental Health and Care Management services
We continue to offer counseling and care management services to people on and off Menorah Park’s campus including a brief phone counseling service for all Menorah Park staff; telehealth services have been added to provide counseling for clients who are able to use electronic devices.

For you are seeking counseling services, please contact David Donaghy , LCSW-R, SJFS Intake Coordinator at 315.446.9111, ext. 227 .  

Community Volunteer-Assistance Clearinghouse
Want to volunteer your time? Do you or someone you know need help? Contact Nancy Bloeser at CommunityResource@sjfs.org , or call her at 315.446.9111, x226 . Please leave your phone number, a brief description of the need or offer and the best time to reach you.
 
Covid-19 Community Resource Facebook group
Join SJFS’s private Facebook group : “ A safe community for members to share requests and offers, circulate ideas and resources for wellbeing, and keep each other company through the isolation imposed by Covid-19.” Requests for group "activities" (virtual events, classes, discussion groups, etc.) are welcome, as well as offers to lead one.